Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Jody

Carrying stuff

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Since the chimpanzees don’t generally use backpacks or wear clothing with pockets, they can be pretty creative with how they choose to gather and carry items around.

Chimpanzees rely a lot on their mouths…
Negra:

Foxie:
Foxie with troll in mouth

Jamie:

But sometimes their mouths are full and they still need to carry more..
Jody:
Jody carrying cattail

Missy:

Missy carry her stash

And sometimes their mouths are full and their arms are busy climbing, so they might rely on their feet..
Jamie:

Chimpanzee mothers carry their babies on their backs…

Foxie demonstrates with a doll:

Last but not least, a little live action carrying…

Are you a Negra or a Jody?

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Winter evokes a variety of emotions, thoughts and interests in each of us. Some of us love nothing more than bundling up in a cozy nest wishing to hibernate until spring, and some of us love the adventure that cold weather and snow bring. I definitely fall somewhere in the middle.

I think it’s safe to guess where Negra falls:

And while Jody is definitely a lover of a extravagant nest and a leisurely day, she always seems to enjoy the adventures each season brings:

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The Elusive Jody Chimpanzee

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Out of all of the chimpanzees here at the sanctuary, Jody is the most elusive (especially when it comes to us taking photos of her). So, when the opportunity presents itself, we try to take it.

This morning, she payed special attention to Foxie’s brow ridge during grooming.

Jody on the left, Foxie on the right.

Afterwards, she “cuddled” with a blanket and took a short nap.

Here she is, this afternoon, taking a peak out the raceway door (the area leading from the Greenhouse to the chimps’ 2 acre outdoor enclosure) before making a few trips outside to gather snowy treats.

Get to know more about Jody here.

Today is in memory of Thomas Burke

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Today one of the chimpanzees’ new friends, Peggy Burke, is remembering her husband, Thomas, and celebrating their life together by sponsoring a day of sanctuary in his memory. Peggy shared, “January 8th was my husband’s birthday and we used to spend a lot of time in the Cle Elum area. What better way to remember him than by helping the Cle Elum Seven.”

Peggy, thank you so much for contributing to the chimpanzees’ lives and home, providing them the space so heal, grow, transform and to rejoice in what life brings their way each day. Cle Elum is such a beautiful area and it’s wonderful that you have such fond memories of the time you spent here together. We are so touched that you would include the chimpanzees in your life and on such a special day. We’re honored to remember Thomas here today and are sending you all the good thoughts, hoping this day brings you comfort, joy and love as you have helped provide the chimpanzees.

Burrito and Foxie:

It’s often still surprising for people when they learn the chimpanzees are living here. We are so grateful to all our supporters and give special thanks to our local friends and neighbors who have welcomed the chimps with open arms and continue to support and protect them as members of their community. The Cle Elum City Council even awarded the chimps honorary citizens status shortly before their first anniversary here!

Jamie:

Jody, Missy, and Annie:

Annie and Missy:

Foxie and France Dora:

Burrito and Negra:

Negra takes play very seriously

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Negra, the grumpy 43-year-old Queen of the Cle Elum Seven, plays differently than the other chimps. Usually, she plays at one quarter speed. You can often see her playing gently with Missy in the loft or greenhouse while they are waiting for breakfast. Missy does her best to play at Negra’s pace, and the look on her face indicates that she is more excited about the very idea that she got the sleepy old lady to play than she is about the game itself. Look everybody, Negra is playing!

Negra and Missy playing

But when Negra is feeling really playful, she is a different animal altogether. There’s no smiling. No laughing, either. And all the hitting and wrestling that chimpanzees usually tone down and smooth over when playing is dished out with full force. She slaps her playmates. She headbutts them. She slams them into the wall. She grabs them by the feet and refuses to let go.

Missy and Foxie are well acquainted with Negra’s style of play, but it often comes as a surprise to the other chimps. At these times, they look more like hostages than playmates. At one point in this video, Jody turns to the camera, seemingly hoping that someone will step in to save her. But alas, there’s nothing we can do. Playtime isn’t over until Negra says so.

Thank you, Erin!

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Erin Delsol gave the chimpanzees the gift of sponsoring a day of sanctuary for them today! Erin is a former volunteer in the chimp house and sends this message:

“I volunteered in the kitchen for a few months, and was so enamored with the chimpanzees! This work is so important.”

Erin, thank you for holding the chimps in your heart and for making their lives here possible with your support. We are looking forward to a new year full of even more possibilities; full of boundless hope, love, home and sanctuary not only for Annie, Missy, Jody, Jamie, Foxie, Burrito and Negra, but for the additional family members we hope will soon be able to call the sanctuary their home as well.

Jody is someone who I think embraces everything life has on offer for her, each day of every season: